TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Babablacksheep]

Anyone else who’s heard back from Farrer?

 

[emay7]

Congrats! May I ask when you submitted your TC application?

I believe it was the 27th March

 

[adrian_nlh]

Can I discuss the Fried Frank application with someone who’s submitted or been successful in the past please? The format is throwing me a bit lol

Sorry if I'm late to the party but I've done FF before and first-stage interview. I can help if you like.

 

[EG3]

3 PFOs in one morning, good start to my day hahaha

 

[B101]

Mayer Brown pfo

 

[legallyells]

Mayer Brown trainee job simulation, any insights would be massively appreciated!!

 

[Tintin06]

Anyone heard anything from Ashurst today?

 

[James Wakefield]

Anyone heard anything from Ashurst today?

I think those successful heard last week, PFOs will be in June.

 

[EG3]

Question for whoever:

I'm thinking of re-applying next year, as my applications this year were just a bit rubbish (although it's my first year applying and I did make it to a couple ACs/final stages and had a couple interviews and got an offer from a regional firm - didn't accept as pay was abysmal and would need to self-fund PGDL and SQEs). I do still have some applications in the mixer but I kind of just want to work for a year anyway and get some money/experience (current master's student straight from non-law undergrad).

Is it best to work part-time, perhaps as a paralegal, while doing the PGDL? As then I could apply for 2027 start as well as 2028, or best to just work full-time and do PGDL the following year?

And anything I could do before the next application season alongside that would boost my applications? Eg, volunteer, show interest in a hobby, additional qualifications etc - obviously all would be good but anything in particular that sets a candidate apart and recruitment often like to see?

 

[OliverTwist]

Question for whoever:

I'm thinking of re-applying next year, as my applications this year were just a bit rubbish (although it's my first year applying and I did make it to a couple ACs/final stages and had a couple interviews and got an offer from a regional firm - didn't accept as pay was abysmal and would need to self-fund PGDL and SQEs). I do still have some applications in the mixer but I kind of just want to work for a year anyway and get some money/experience (current master's student straight from non-law undergrad).

Is it best to work part-time, perhaps as a paralegal, while doing the PGDL? As then I could apply for 2027 start as well as 2028, or best to just work full-time and do PGDL the following year?

And anything I could do before the next application season alongside that would boost my applications? Eg, volunteer, show interest in a hobby, additional qualifications etc - obviously all would be good but anything in particular that sets a candidate apart and recruitment often like to see?

I found the PgDL incredibly intensive when I did it - and many of the part-time students on the course felt the same. Personally, I’d recommend doing it full-time and working for a year either before or after, depending on what suits you best. It’s essentially eight modules of law condensed into a few months. To give myself the best shot, I left full-time work to focus on it and then returned to work while applying for direct training contracts. That said, it really comes down to what works best for you. I can see part-time paralegal work alongside part-time PgDL study being a good option - especially if you hope to do vacation schemes throughout the year.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Question for whoever:

I'm thinking of re-applying next year, as my applications this year were just a bit rubbish (although it's my first year applying and I did make it to a couple ACs/final stages and had a couple interviews and got an offer from a regional firm - didn't accept as pay was abysmal and would need to self-fund PGDL and SQEs). I do still have some applications in the mixer but I kind of just want to work for a year anyway and get some money/experience (current master's student straight from non-law undergrad).

Is it best to work part-time, perhaps as a paralegal, while doing the PGDL? As then I could apply for 2027 start as well as 2028, or best to just work full-time and do PGDL the following year?

And anything I could do before the next application season alongside that would boost my applications? Eg, volunteer, show interest in a hobby, additional qualifications etc - obviously all would be good but anything in particular that sets a candidate apart and recruitment often like to see?

Finding part time paralegal work can be difficult - generally there are not a lot of part time roles in the legal sector. If working part-time is important, then you may find other roles/industries that are better suited to what you need.

 

[EG3]

I found the PgDL incredibly intensive when I did it - and many of the part-time students on the course felt the same. Personally, I’d recommend doing it full-time and working for a year either before or after, depending on what suits you best. It’s essentially eight modules of law condensed into a few months. To give myself the best shot, I left full-time work to focus on it and then returned to work while applying for direct training contracts. That said, it really comes down to what works best for you. I can see part-time paralegal work alongside part-time PgDL study being a good option - especially if you hope to do vacation schemes throughout the year.

Finding part time paralegal work can be difficult - generally there are not a lot of part time roles in the legal sector. If working part-time is important, then you may find other roles/industries that are better suited to what you need.

Thanks both!

 

[adrian_nlh]

Has anyone heard from Penningtons or Foot Anstey?

 

[annarobertshawe]

Watson Farley and Williams video interview! Anyone done or have any tips/ideas of what the questions might be? My first video interview ever ... anything is appreciated! Cheers guys

 

[Tintin06]

I found the PgDL incredibly intensive when I did it - and many of the part-time students on the course felt the same. Personally, I’d recommend doing it full-time and working for a year either before or after, depending on what suits you best. It’s essentially eight modules of law condensed into a few months. To give myself the best shot, I left full-time work to focus on it and then returned to work while applying for direct training contracts. That said, it really comes down to what works best for you. I can see part-time paralegal work alongside part-time PgDL study being a good option - especially if you hope to do vacation schemes throughout the year.

I've worked in tutoring since 2019. It's a good part-time job option. Many do it alongside the GDL. DM if you'd like more info.

 

[Tintin06]

I think those successful heard last week, PFOs will be in June.

I have never passed their test. Not once in many years applying.

To date, I've passed two WGs. That plus Latham's SJT/VI in 2023.

I've only ever got non-test VSs. Also Slaughters TC didn't require them.

 

[Amma Usman]

Watson Farley and Williams video interview! Anyone done or have any tips/ideas of what the questions might be? My first video interview ever ... anything is appreciated! Cheers guys

Huge congrats!!! I’ve linked Andrei’s guide to help. Best wishes with the VI - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....de-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/

 

[Amma Usman]

Update: HL PFO.

I’m sorry to hear this. Don’t let it hold you back though… keep moving forward. Rejection is part of the process, and it’s just one firm. You’ve got the skills and determination to keep going, and the next opportunity is waiting for you. Stay focused, keep applying, and improve where you can. Reflect on areas for improvement. You’re getting closer to what you want with each application, so just keep at it! I know you’re gonna do amazing

 

[Amma Usman]

Farrer & Co shortlist/proofreading exercise! Has anyone got insight or experience with this task? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! This is pretty much my last shot at a TC at this point

Hey,

Congrats on this! Could you provide more information on what the task entails? Have they told you what you will be proofreading or more specifics on what is expected of you?

 

[pickyportkey]

Anyone else receive the Mayer Brown trainee job simulation yesterday?